According to the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," 75 percent of all conventional pharmaceuticals and commercial preparations are refinements of folk and herbal medicines, and 44 percent of Americans utilize folk or home remedies to complement physicians' prescriptions. (see Reference 1) Folk medicine, simple remedies used by nonprofessionals and handed down from generation to generation, has seen a dramatic increase in use, particularly for skin issues, since the 1980s. While further research is needed to confirm the healing properties of folk remedies, plenty of anecdotal evidence exists on the efficacy of their use as skin treatments.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, an herb first used by the natives of Sri Lanka, yields beneficial results when used to treat various types of skin disorders. The herb's active ingredient helps speed wound healing and, according to the University of Michigan Health System, gotu kola acts as an aid to improve burns, skin ulcers and scars. While further clinical analysis is needed to support gotu kola's efficacy as an effective folk remedy to treat skin conditions, French studies conducted in the 1980s indicate that topical application of the herb can accelerate healing of infected wounds and burns. (Reference 2)
The University of Michigan Health System suggests drinking three cups of gotu kola tea daily. Alternatively, you can take 60 mg gotu kola extract capsules twice daily. No known side effects or drug interactions currently exist.
Lemon Juice
Ancient Greeks and Romans used lemon for its many therapeutic benefits, and it has a long history of use in European folk medicine. The juice of freshly squeezed lemons provides alpha-hydroxy acids, a citric acid contained in citrus fruit and sugar cane. When applied topically, lemon juice acts as an exfoliant, helping to slough off dead skin tissue and support your complexion's elasticity. Taken orally, the juice works to relieve constipation, cleanse the liver and rid the skin of toxins and impurities for a bright, clear complexion.
According to GrannyMed.com, a combination of lemon juice and rose water, an antibacterial and skin toner, tightens pores and rejuvenates the skin, clearing up acne in two to three weeks. (Reference 3) Mix equal parts rose water and lemon juice. Saturate a washcloth in the solution and apply it all over your face, paying particular attention to blemishes. Allow it to dry for 15 minutes and then rinse with cool water.
Honey
Honey, used throughout history as an antiseptic to heal cuts, scrapes and burns, offers sedative, antibacterial and antifungal properties that aid in the reduction of scarring. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, a 2006 issue of "International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds" reported that medicinal honey speeds healing in existing wounds, helps rid the body of dead skin cells, accelerates new skin growth and inhibits inflammation and scarring. (Reference 4)
Practitioners of folk medicine, including Dr. Teresa Graedon, author of the book "The People's Pharmacy," recommends applying honey directly on your skin immediately following a cut, burn or other wound. Then keep it moist by covering the affected area with an airtight bandage. (Reference 5)
References
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- University of Michigan Health System: Gotu Kola
- Granny Med: Lemon Juice for Acne
- Weil: Q & A Library: Best Treatment for Scars?
- "The People's Pharmacy"; Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.; 2002
